Kelly Comes In To Support Unsworth

David Unsworth has called in Alan Kelly to help him take temporary charge of the Everton first team – but quipped he may be in trouble with the goalkeeping coach’s family after interrupting their holiday in Ireland.

Kelly was visiting the country he represented 34 times as a player when he received the call from Unsworth late on Monday, giving him just enough time to board the last flight to Liverpool and arrive in time for Tuesday’s training session at USM Finch Farm.

The pair know each other well from their time together on the backroom staff at Preston North End, where Unsworth was first-team coach and Kelly worked with the Lilywhites’ goalkeepers.

Former Everton players John Ebbrell and Duncan Ferguson will also assist Unsworth as he prepares the team for Wednesday’s trip to Chelsea.

“I managed to bring in Alan as goalkeeping coach last night,” said Unsworth. “He did great and got the last flight over from Ireland. I interrupted a family holiday so I apologise to them for that!

“Alan was with us this morning and he is someone I know from my Preston days. He is a great goalkeeping coach so I am pleased he has joined us.

“John Ebbrell and Duncan Ferguson are with us as well, and I’ve got Joe Royle to call on too.”

Unsworth’s first-team duties mean Francis Jeffers and Sean Lundon will now lead the Under-21s side set to face Lincoln City at Sincil Bank in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night.

The pair will also oversee the Club’s Under-23s in their upcoming fixtures, starting with Friday’s trip to Swansea City in Premier League 2.

“Franny and Sean are taking the Under-23s,” added Unsworth. “Franny has been working with them all season and they’ll have a couple of the Academy coaches supporting them as well.”

Unsworth faced the media for the first time since taking temporary charge on Tuesday afternoon. Watch his press conference in full above.